A New Platform [Intro Post October]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

"Good morning passengers, it is day sixteen of the month of Horsehoe. Points have been updated on the system and new stock is available."

They have indeed and everyone can spend the morning shopping. Those who have been on the train a while will be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one." A lurch and a jolt and they are soon surrounded by the fog that means they are at a platform. The first thing they may notice is that this platform is inside a basic shelter, making it warmer than the last couple at least.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Adora, Alex Hashimoto, Catra, Cloud Strife, Elizabeth Midford, Feanor, Gerome, Gladiolus Amicitia, Glimmer, Ifrit, Isabella D’Oro, Maru, Nari Reno, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Prompto Argentum, Scorpia, Siobahn Chereshei, SXT-2, Tamamo-no-Mae, Tony Stark, Uta, Zidane Tribal

But on the platform itself there are many new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours in various states of confusion.

For New Passengers

At first all they can see is steam. Billowing around them as they come to their senses. The second thing they will notice is it is gloomy, even without the steam and fog. They are in a wooden building, open to the tracks on one side. It in a creaky shelter, cobwebs hang from the rafters and there is a peculiar whistle as wind finds its way through the cracks.

They are standing, in clothes that are not their own, styles they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on their back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone in the white haze but then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform is not large and it holds nineteen figures all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. Both left and right the tracks disappear into the mist. Then there is a roaring sound and out of the fog arrives a train. Jet black with gold writing on the side. The Voidtrecker Express. There is a hiss as the doors slide open and out into the gloom step a selection of people. Some are human, some are less so. Most are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple though some are sporting different clothes in a variety of styles.

The Train

The doors hiss open. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there is anywhere else to go and even if there was, you feel a pull. A need to board, a feeling that staying on the platform would not be a good thing. If that is not enough, there are plenty of people on the platform now, to encourage them onto the train.

Indeed whereas usually there is plenty time for people to be met and brought slowly onto the train, the whistles blow a lot quicker this time, as if hurrying the passengers along.

Each ICP shows the same message and next to the screens there are stacks of leaflets written by those on the train, with further information. The store rooms have been restocked, with… teddy bear shaped luncheon meat being the main ingredient to be found. There are plenty of other staples.

A new carriage has been added, those that go to investigate will find a room full of lockers, designated as the Armoury. Even for passengers without weapons it is somewhere to secure possessions. There are instructions on how to use the lockers and enough for everyone to claim one.

New passengers will find their tickets allow them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, especially if they want a top bunk!

Room is tight but there are storage cubbies at the head of each bed, beds fold up and the bottom bunks double as benches for the small table. There is storage under those benches and you will hopefully find a pillow for your bed if it has not been nabbed by a roommate, there are also spare blankets for if it gets cold.

Departure

A second horn sounds over the noise of the hail stones to encourage any stragglers braving the snow and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view as it picks up speed.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express." A female-coded artificial sounding voice echoes throughout the train. "Please take the time to read the passenger information displayed on the Information and Communication points and familiarise yourself with the layout and emergency exits."

The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog filled sky.

"Entrance into Voidspace imminent. New passengers are advised to remain seated. Entry into Voidspace in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

A shudder, a jolt, a lurch to the left. A flash of light, colourful and blinding. As quick as it happens it is done. The train seems to steady. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!

Comments

[purifyings]

It makes someone feel sick, huh? Nike could not help keep the detail in mind after hearing this. She will try her best to keep her gaze away; however, she was still able to feel and hear it. The same sounds, the same emotions -- those of chaos -- pulling her once more. Could it be with nothing to connect to her senses were trying to find anything to connect with?

After coughing some more, then clearing her throat, she'll ask in a weak tone, as though she hasn't recovered from her coughing fit just yet, "...can't you feel it pulling you?" A pause, trying to clear her throat some more, "The feeling to look outside. The chill. The sounds?"

[swansongs]

"The sounds?" He repeated. The chill? "Uh. Are you okay?" He was genuinely concerned, because last time he'd checked, he personally hadn't heard any sounds coming from the void. He even glanced out the window to double-check, as if he..heard..things with his eyes. Look, he wasn't always the brightest, okay.

[purifyings]

His reaction was more than enough for Nike to piece: it was just her senses; they were trying to find something, anything, to connect to. Wrapping her arms around herself, Nike will nod her head softly, admitting, "...then it's just me. I'm not all that surprised. Only those within my family have the same power as I do, so..."

Just as she was going to apologize for worrying him over nothing, she'll notice him looking outside which will have her looking very alarmed. "What are you doing!? Didn't you just say the void will make you sick!?" she will quickly get out of her seat and block his window with her body as she looks very close to lecturing him. Well, if you ignore the paleness on her face, that is...

[swansongs]

He started to nod, about to say something about not being used to people with powers, despite having been on the train however many weeks he'd been here, when she got up and blocked his window.

"Whoa!" he said, blinking a few times. "It was just a glance! I don't think glances make you sick. I wasn't gonna stare into it. Sorry."

[purifyings]

There was a lot of "not believing him" type of vibes from the way she was staring at him. But his explanation will calm her though.

"Glancing at it won't make you sick?" she repeated before feeling the urge to look out but will shake her head; hoping to get the silly thought out of her head. Instead, she will wonder, "How long can you stare at it before it makes you sick?"

[swansongs]

"I don't think so. And I don't know, I've never timed it." Or even thought about timing it. But now he was tempted to try. It was funny how tempting something became when you shouldn't do it.

"A few seconds at a time is fine though, I'm pretty sure."

[purifyings]

For a moment, Nike felt almost the same curious urge to figure it out as well. The short time she was able to sneak a peek at the void -- it was beautiful! It's only a shame she can't stare at it for too long. But how long is too long...?

Her green eyes will slightly turn to the window she was covering behind her before deciding.

"...do you have anything to measure time with...?"

MAY AS WELL FIND OUT IN A SAFE WAY!

[swansongs]

"Mmmm. I think there's a stop watch feature on our SCAs?" Lifting his wrist, he poked around on the device, making a face at it.

"Nope, sorry, it's a countdown timer. I mean, I guess that could work the same way? It just needs a little more math." And math was not his strong suit.